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What lawmakers slipped into the $460 billion spending package

Mar 12, 2024
Earmarks promise to spend money on specific projects requested by individual members of Congress.
In this latest funding package, there are more than 6,000 earmarks totaling more than $12 billion, according to an analysis by Bloomberg Government.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

This might be the economy that liberals wanted, but do most voters feel the same?

Feb 27, 2024
If people don’t feel the strength of the economy, Democrats may have a problem this election season, says Victoria Guida at Politico.
President Biden has low approval ratings despite vigorous economic growth, low unemployment and a strong stock market.
Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Why the messaging around "Bidenomics" might not be working

President Joe Biden wants to highlight the strong U.S. economy. But the headline numbers don't necessarily reflect day-to-day life.
When the Biden administration celebrates headline job growth or wage data, it runs the risk of alienating voters whose experiences don't align, says Karen Petrou of Federal Financial Analytics. For instance, almost two-thirds of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

Forget the U.S. and China — Big Tech is the next world power

According to Ian Bremmer of Eurasia Group, tech companies are gaining increasing political power with fewer checks and balances.
Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images
Bridgewater Associates Founder and Co-Chairman Ray Dalio speaks onstage during TechCrunch Disrupt San Francisco 2019.
Kimberly White/Getty Images for TechCrunch

Could we mint a $31 trillion coin to pay the national debt?

May 12, 2023
Issuing a mega-coin has been proposed as a novel solution to the country’s debt ceiling crisis.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has called a trillion-dollar coin a "gimmick." Above, she inspects quarter dies at the Denver mint alongside second gentleman Douglas Emhoff in 2022.
Jason Connolly-Pool/Getty Images

In his first veto, President Biden defends Labor Department's ESG rule

Mar 20, 2023
Critics say ESG investments allocate money based on political agendas rather than on earning the best returns for savers.
It's unlikely that Republicans have enough votes in Congress to reach the two-thirds majority required in each chamber to override Biden's veto.
Leon Neal/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Biden's budget and GOP response offer up a sneak preview of next year's campaign issues

Mar 10, 2023
The budget is a policy document, but this one's also a campaign document.
President Biden talks about his proposed FY2024 federal budget during an event in Philadelphia on March 9.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

State of the Union speech is Biden's chance to sell his economic record to skeptical Americans

Feb 7, 2023
President Biden is likely to tout the strong job market and recovery from the pandemic recession.
President Joe Biden delivers his 2022 state of the union address to Congress. This year, president is likely to talk progress on inflation and other economic matters.
Sarahbeth Maney-Pool/Getty Images

As the Family and Medical Leave Act turns 30, millions of Americans still lack access to paid leave

Feb 3, 2023
The U.S. is the only wealthy country in the world that doesn’t guarantee workers a single day of paid leave.
An estimated 44% of Americans are not entitled to paid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for NYC for Paid Leave